India is a land of festivals that celebrate faith, unity, and humanity — and among the most revered of these is Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurupurab.
This sacred day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Guru Nanak Jayanti is more than a festival; it is a celebration of truth, compassion, equality, and devotion — the very essence of Guru Nanak’s teachings.
What Is Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Gurupurab, commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in 1469 in Nankana Sahib (now in Pakistan).
He was a visionary, philosopher, and spiritual teacher who spoke against social injustice, caste discrimination, and blind rituals. Guru Nanak emphasized that God is One (Ik Onkar) and that all humans are equal regardless of religion, caste, or gender.
The festival usually falls in November, on the full moon day (Kartik Purnima), making it one of the most sacred occasions in the Sikh calendar.
Why Guru Nanak Jayanti Is Celebrated
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated to honor the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose message of unity and humility transformed millions of lives.
His teachings were simple yet profound — they inspired people to live with truth, honesty, and compassion. He preached that spiritual growth is possible through remembrance of God, hard work, and selfless service.
The festival serves as a reminder of his timeless message:
“There is but one God. His name is Truth. He is the Creator, Fearless, Without Hatred.”
It’s celebrated with great devotion across the world, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and other regions with Sikh communities.
The Significance of Guru Nanak Jayanti
The celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti carries deep spiritual and social meaning:
Equality and Brotherhood: Guru Nanak believed in equality among all human beings and stood firmly against caste and religious divisions.
Seva (Service): The festival promotes the spirit of selfless service and charity through the tradition of Langar — free meals served to everyone.
Spiritual Reflection: It reminds people to live truthfully, meditate on God’s name (Naam Japna), and perform good deeds.
Unity in Diversity: It spreads the message of universal brotherhood and harmony.
How Guru Nanak Jayanti Is Celebrated
The celebration usually spans three days and includes spiritual events, processions, and prayers:
Akhand Path (Continuous Reading):
Two days before Gurupurab, a 48-hour non-stop recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib (holy scripture) is held in Gurdwaras.
Nagar Kirtan (Religious Procession):
A day before the festival, a grand procession led by the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) takes place, featuring hymns, devotional singing, and symbolic displays of Sikh values.
Main Day Celebrations:
On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, Asa di Vaar (morning prayers) and Kirtan (devotional songs) are sung in Gurdwaras. Devotees gather to reflect on Guru Nanak’s teachings.
Langar (Community Kitchen):
Every Gurdwara organizes a Langar, where food is served to everyone — irrespective of religion or background — symbolizing equality and selfless service.
Kadha Prasad:
A sacred sweet made of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar, Kadha Prasad is distributed to all devotees as a divine blessing.
Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Guru Nanak’s teachings are timeless and universally relevant. His core principles are summed up in three pillars of Sikhism:
Naam Japna: Remember and meditate on God’s name.
Kirat Karo: Earn an honest living through hard work.
Vand Chakko: Share your earnings and blessings with others.
He also taught that God resides in every being and that a true spiritual path lies in compassion, humility, and truthfulness.
Conclusion
Guru Nanak Jayanti is not just a religious festival — it is a day of reflection, service, and unity. It reminds us that spirituality is not confined to rituals but lies in kindness, humility, and the service of others.
As Guru Nanak Dev Ji said:
“Before becoming a Muslim, a Hindu, a Sikh, or a Christian, let’s become a human first.”
May this Gurupurab inspire everyone to follow the path of truth and compassion, just as Guru Nanak Dev Ji envisioned — a world united in love and equality.
❓ FAQs
Q1. When is Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrated?
Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated on the full moon day (Kartik Purnima) in November each year.
Q2. Why do people celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti?
It is celebrated to honor the birth and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.
Q3. What are the main rituals of Guru Nanak Jayanti?
Akhand Path, Nagar Kirtan, Kirtan hymns, Langar (community meal), and offering of Kadha Prasad are the main rituals.
Q4. What message does Guru Nanak Dev Ji give?
He preached that there is one God, and true devotion lies in humility, hard work, and serving others selflessly.
Published on : 5th November
Published by : SMITA
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed